Usability testing
An intro for guerillas
Design is more than opinions
Opinions fighting opinions is a disaster
Designers aren't users
But also.... users aren't designers
Usability testing!
Here's the rules
- Find the right users
- Be careful about context
- Create simple tasks to test
- Do the thing
- Record and take notes
- Be open minded
- Document
You can test with (almost anything)
Don't wait: test early
- A set of sketches
- Wireframes
- Clickable prototypes
- Early stage builds
https://popapp.in/
http://www.invisionapp.com/
http://proto.io/
Design some simple tasks
"Log in and create an account"
"Purchase a product"
Find yourself some users
Be a guerilla
- Testing with strangers can be a bit confronting! But SO worth it
- Remember to find people that aren't like you
- Consider Guerilla-style testing in cafes or public spaces
- These techniques work in many situations
- Don't forget to reward people :)
Users might be more honest in their natural environments
By the way.. you only need 5
http://www.nngroup.com/articles/why-you-only-need-to-test-with-5-users/
You can follow a script
https://sensible.com/downloads/test-script.pdf
Basic test format
- Explain what the test is, how it works and what's expected
- Sign any permission forms
- Start recording
- Ask for general opinions
- Ask to complete tasks
- Answer any questions
Recording software is your friend
http://silverbackapp.com/
http://www.uxrecorder.com/
You don't have to take notes
You are doing this to learn
You will probably be surprised
You need to be humble
You need to be quiet
But you need to read between the lines
What people say and what they do may be different
Users may struggle.. but you should refrain from helping
Don't forget to document
Have fun!
